Provides an overview of the erroneous expectations of many educators toward computer-assisted language learning (CALL). A realistic assessment of CALL capabilities is offered, and the specific functions and the versatile role of CALL when used in conjunction with other teaching tools is demonstrated. Specific examples from the Macintosh Private…

Archimedes' method for estimating the value of pi is developed and compared with the Gregory-Machin infinite series method. Programs for the TI-81 calculator for finding the upper and lower bounds using the classical method and estimating pi using infinite series are provided.(Author/MKR)

Discusses and defines hypermedia, examines essential design considerations and features in the development of hypermedia courseware, and discusses its theoretical foundations. Cites an instructional problem in a guidance and counseling program and suggests that a well-designed hypermedia package might provide an answer. (Author/AEF)

Provides an overview of the Michigan State University Instructional Software Collection, housed by the university library, and the Computing Resource Center, operated by the computer laboratory. Cooperative efforts between the two units, resources and services, collection development, electronic access to the collections, staffing, and publicizing…

Provides an example that illustrates the interrelationship of the factors that influence educational software portability. Nielsen's seven-level approach to human-computer interaction is used as the basis for a model for factors that influence portability, and five phases in the life cycle of a software product being adapted are considered. (10…

Discusses "Object LOGO," a symbolic computer programing language for use in the creative arts. Describes the use of the program in approaching arts projects from textual, graphic, and musical perspectives. Suggests that use of the program can promote development of creative skills and humanities learning in general. (SG)

Describes the design of a prototype of a computerized courseware production and presentation system that provides a user-friendly environment for the creation, maintenance, and presentation of courseware. Object-oriented material is discussed, types of operations that may act on the objects are explained, and interaction techniques are described.…

Describes four aspects of computer technology in education in the United States: (1) the number of computers available to students and teachers; (2) where the computers are located and how they are used; (3) the impact of computer use; and (4) hypotheses concerning nonuse, limited use, and inappropriate use. (Contains 13 references.) (LRW)

Presents a problem and a line of reasoning inspired by working in dynamic geometry environments and allowing students to make a geometric construction on the computer and then manipulate the construction by dragging points, lines, and segments. (MKR)

Provides recommendations for designing computer screens that will have positive effects on readability and learning. Topics discussed include the use of capital versus lower case letters; interlinear space; line length; and strategies that aid recall, including the use of chunks and margins, and the location of information in relation to graphics.…

Discusses collaborative authoring, computer-supported collaborative work and the reuse of multimedia courseware; describes a consolidated model, Open Systems for the Collaborative Authoring and Reuse (OSCAR) of courseware, that was drawn from other abstract models; and examines hypermedia systems, object-oriented communication models, and the…

Traces the history of instructional computing in music education. Describes the development of music software and hardware. Discusses potential benefits of using the newly developed software in the classroom. Suggests that educators and musicians interact with the publishing community to help define their needs in music education. (DK)

Argues that multimedia computing can allow journalism educators to change dramatically their teaching methods. Identifies "repurposing," the use of existing media resources for new teaching purposes. Observes that many journalism educators are learning programing languages needed to create computer software. Cites multimedia technology…

Responds to a previous article on the application of instructional technology to foreign-language instruction, focusing on two interrelated points. These include the need for involvement of faculty, staff, and administrators, and the capabilities of hardware. (JL)

Describes the implementation of a computer projection system for medium to small classrooms at the University of Vermont. Requirements for the system are discussed, including ease of use, compatibility, software, and network capabilities; and selection decisions for the computer, the projection system, and the support equipment are explained.…